1952 - The U.S. Standardization Board clears the way for Stan Musial to get a salary increase to $85,000. Prior to this relaxation of the rules, there was a wage freeze in effect due to the Korean War. Under the new rules, a team is free to raise individual salaries, as long as they do not exceed a complicated formula, based on total team salaries for any one year, from 1946 to 1950, plus 10 percent.

The owners establish the minimum age of 14 for bat boys. The change from not having any age requirement is prompted by a near collision at home plate during Game 5 of last year's World Series involving 4-year old bat boy Darren Baker, the son of GiantsmanagerDusty Baker.

Trying to restore a competitive edge to the All-Star Game, the owners unanimously approve that the winning league of the Mid-Summer classic will have home field advantage during the World Series. Approval is needed by the players to change the current rotation between the two leagues, which was put in place since the inception of the World Series in 1903.

In one of his last gestures as President, Barack Obama receives the World ChampionCubs at the White House. Reporters note it's the first time the team visits the hallowed mansion since 1888, while the President, known to be a fan of the rival White Sox, states: "I can't claim that I have the same just visceral joy of some in this White House," alluding to first lady Michelle Obama, who does root for the Cubbies.